Dental Bridges
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic restoration for gaps in your smile, replacing a single tooth or up to several missing teeth in a row. Our lifelike, custom-designed bridges blend in with your natural teeth, creating a healthy-looking and functional smile. We use high-quality materials like porcelain, IPS e.max® glass-ceramic, and zirconia for our dental restorations to ensure both durability and a natural appearance.
A Closer Look at a Traditional Dental Bridge
Types of Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) supported by dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap (called the abutment teeth). The dental crowns hold the pontics in place, providing a stable and natural-looking restoration. A traditional bridge is also called a fixed bridge.
An implant-supported bridge is held in place by dental implants, which are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone. Dental crowns placed on top of the implants support the pontics. Because dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots, implant-supported restorations are the most comprehensive form of restorative dentistry.
Choose Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC for Your Dental Bridge
Whether you're expecting extractions or have been missing teeth for a while, the process of replacing teeth can feel intimidating. But you have expert help by your side; our dentists have years of experience helping patients restore their smiles. Our dental team will assess your specific needs, listen to your concerns, and help you decide which dentistry options are best for you.
With two dental offices in Vernon and Coventry, CT, our practice strives to provide comfortable and convenient care for all your dentistry needs. If you're ready to discuss filling the gap in your smile with a bridge, set up a consultation with our dentists by sending us a message or by calling our offices:
Vernon: (860) 872-2004
Coventry: (860) 742-7065
Praise for Our Vernon and Coventry, CT, Dental Practice
"My doctor truly understood my expectations. He listened to my concerns and helped me to reach my goals. My teeth look incredible! His insight into cosmetics, his caring nature, and his attention to detail, really set him apart from the rest. He has been a long awaited relief from my past dental experiences. This office really knows how to make a patient happy!" John from Tolland, CT
Which Is Better: Traditional or Implant-Supported?
Though implant-supported prosthetics are widely considered to be the most comprehensive way to replace missing teeth and are generally recommended to qualified candidates, both traditional and implant-supported bridges have benefits and drawbacks. Our dentists in Vernon and Coventry, CT, will help you determine which dentistry treatment is best for your needs.
Bone Retention
Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone will recede over time, leading to a collapsed, aged appearance and potentially putting your remaining teeth at risk. The dental implants of an implant-supported bridge act as artificial tooth roots, providing the stimulation necessary to maintain a strong, healthy jawbone. Traditional bridges don't provide any benefit to bone health.
Healthy Tooth Preservation
Traditional fixed bridges require healthy abutment teeth on either side of the gap to be crowned. Dental crowns involve significant reshaping of a tooth in order for the crown to lie flush with nearby teeth. Implant-supported bridges don't require any modifications to your natural teeth and avoid the potential for decay or other future damage to crowned abutment teeth.
Restoration Longevity
A traditional bridge can last 5-15 years. The prosthetic teeth of an implant-supported bridge often last a few years longer, and with proper care, the implants themselves can last a lifetime. A traditional bridge may need to be replaced as it becomes worn, bone recedes, or the crowned teeth holding the pontics suffer decay, while an implant-supported bridge will only need a new restoration.
Treatment Time
Traditional bridges only take a few weeks for your teeth to be prepared and your custom restoration to be designed. Dental implants, however, require oral surgery for placement, followed by several months of waiting while the implants integrate with your jawbone. Implant-supported bridges take longer to complete, but many of our patients find the added benefits of dental implants to be well worth the wait.
How Much Does a Bridge Cost?
The cost of a dental bridge is unique to the situation of every individual patient. Insurance will typically cover the cost of a traditional bridge. The dental implants of an implant-supported bridge are not covered by insurance, though insurance may contribute to the cost of the restoration. Dental bridge costs can also be impacted by:
- The number of pontics needed to replace missing teeth
- The material used to create your custom-designed bridge
- If related procedures are needed prior to bridge placement, such as periodontal treatment
To help keep dental treatment accessible to all our Vernon and Coventry patients, we offer financing through CareCredit®, which breaks payments down into monthly installments. Contact us to learn more.
More Praise for Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC
"Dr. Whidden and all the staff in the Vernon office have been absolutely amazing. For years, I've been terrified of going to the dentist, and have had several bad experiences. Dr. Whidden made me feel so comfortable, and I couldn't be happier with the level of care my teeth and I have received! :) Thanks so much!!" Alicia Dziob
